Login






Welcome to Thermography Northwest

What is thermography?  
Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI), or Thermography, is an FDA approved, non-invasive, radiation-free imaging technology that measures and maps the heat in the body using a medical infrared camera. Thermography is explained by the fact that temperatures rise in areas with increased blood flow inflammation and metabolism. Thermography can be used to detectand monitor abnormal physiology in the body.

Breast thermal imaging is literally a heat map of the breasts; "thermal" = heat, "graphy" = map. The images are captured using a high resolution infrared camera. Have you ever seen a movie in which people wore heat-sensing goggles to hunt people or animals? This is the same technology only with much better equipment!

The thermal images you see below are an example of a very symmetrical, low-risk breast scan. The pattern of colors on the right breast matches the pattern of colors on the left breast. The color chart used here is one that depicts the cool areas in black, purple, blue and green, and the warmer areas in yellow, orange and red, and occasionally white (being the hottest color).  Although we like to see mostly cool colors on each breast, seeing symmetrical color patterns is even more important. Since there has never been breast cancer diagnosed in one woman, in both breasts, in exactly the same spot, symmetrical heat seen on a thermogram is usually not a concern.





The first historical mention of the thermal process comes from Hippocrates, in 400 BC. He had a theory that disease created inflammation in the body, and as an experiment, he smeared wet mud on a patient's bare body, and watched to see which part of the body dried the quickest. His theory was correct!  Modern thermography was developed in 1956, when Dr. Ray Lawson discovered that the surface of a breast with cancer was warmer than the healthy breast. After several decades of random and unstandardized use of breast thermography, it was finally FDA approved as an adjuctive screening in 1982.

Today, the most effective way to use thermal imaging is in conjunction with other breast screenings. Most of our clients choose 2 or 3 screening methods, since each one is looking at a different layer of information. It is important to note that none of the current screening methods, such as mammography, ultrasound, MRI, or thermography can actually diagnose breast cancer.  They can highlight an area of concern. Only a biopsy of the tissue can determine pathology. For this reason, utilizing several screening methods can assist women in making an educated and intelligent choice when considering any further action.
Thermography is as safe as having your picture taken. There is no radiation exposure when having a digital infrared thermal imaging test. It was approved by the FDA in 1982 as an addition to mammography. For breast thermography in particular, it is safe for any woman 20 years or older, pregnant or lactating women, and women who have had breast implants or reductions or who have had previous cancer surgeries. Thermography Northwest in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, is dedicated to the safety of all our clients.
Although Thermography can be used many ways, Breast thermography is the most utilized. Breast thermography measures differences in infrared heat emission from normal breast tissue, benign breast abnormalities such as fibrocystic disease, cysts, infections and benign tumors as well as breast cancer. Thermography works with a high degree of accuracy. It is a non-invasive measurement of the functionality of the breast tissue, rather than the structure of the breast, which other imaging such as sonograms, mammograms and MRIs may identify.

Uses For Thermography

  • Determine progression after injury or illness 
  • Breast Cancer
  • Pain Syndromes
  • Neck & Back Problems
  • Nervous System Disorders
  • Soft Tissue Injuries
  • Headaches
  • Diabetes
  • Arthritis
  • Metabolic Disorders
  • Repetitive Sprain Injuries
  • Vascular Disorders
  • Dental